Russian Federation to Saudi Arabia visa requirements

A Russian ordinary passport holder needs a visa for tourism in Saudi Arabia, but Russia is on the list of 60-plus eVisa-eligible nationalities. The recommended route is the official Saudi tourist eVisa, applied for online before travel (issued in minutes to about 2 days), costing roughly SAR 535 all-in. It is a one-year, multiple-entry visa allowing up to 90 days per stay. Eligible nationals, including Russians, may alternatively obtain a visa on arrival at airport kiosks (about SAR 480). Note: Saudi Arabia is not in the Schengen area, and claims that Russians enter "visa-free" are inaccurate marketing. Saudi Arabia does not grant visa-free entry to Russian ordinary passport holders. However, Russia is one of the 60-plus nationalities eligible for the Saudi electronic tourist visa (eVisa). Travelers apply entirely online through the official Visit Saudi platform (visa.visitsaudi.com / ksavisa.sa), with approval typically instant to within about two business days. The eVisa is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year from issue, permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit, and the all-inclusive fee is approximately SAR 535 (covering the government visa fee, mandatory inbound medical insurance, and processing). The passport (Zagranpasport) must be valid for at least six months. As an alternative, eligible nationals including Russians can obtain a visa on arrival at self-service kiosks at major airports for roughly SAR 480 including insurance; however, the eVisa is recommended because it confirms entry approval before departure and avoids airline boarding issues. Saudi Arabia is not part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. The eVisa covers tourism, family visits, and Umrah outside the Hajj season; it does not authorize Hajj or paid work. Several commercial websites describe Russian entry as "visa-free" with a 90-day stay, but this is not supported by official sources, which require either an eVisa or visa on arrival.